Natural resources industry solutions

Rethink how to make operations more connected, smarter, automated and electrified

Large mining dump truck transporting rocks at quarry site
Overview

Optimize operations with digital solutions

Scaling digital transformation for natural resources companies is no longer optional—it’s necessary. Companies must address a combination of business objectives like reducing operational costs, reaching sustainability goals, meeting regulatory compliance and growing organically.

IBM’s open AI and hybrid cloud architecture accelerates business transformation by expanding access to innovation, deploying at scale and offering high-quality choices. Bringing AI and automation help you build intelligent workflows in project management and adopt industry platforms to co-create with partners across the supply chain.

Explore the ways IBM can help natural resources companies meet goals in specialties like water resources, conservation plans, environmental consulting, carbon mitigation, remediation and beyond.

Aerial view of a large Quarry site at day time
Use cases

Business priorities

Critical minerals supply chain

Geopolitical risk and export controls are disrupting mineral supply chains globally. Export bans, resource nationalism and supply shocks are exposing dangerous single-source dependencies. With AI you can secure, trace and optimize your critical minerals network—from mine to manufacturer.

Quartz geode with transparent crystals on a black mirror background
An underground tunnel

Mine production optimization

Missing production targets by even a few percent costs millions. Declining ore grades, complex logistics and fragmented data make real-time operational control difficult. With AI you can optimize extraction, processing and throughput—and close the gap between planned and actual output.

Responsible sourcing and traceability

Regulations like the EU's CSRD, OECD Due Diligence Guidance and US Dodd-Frank require proof that minerals are conflict-free and ethically sourced. EV and electronics customers demand the same. By building AI-driven traceability, you can meet due diligence requirements and protect your reputation.

Aerial view of long train carriages lined up around a railway turntable
Aerial view of containers on a freight train

AI-enhanced mineral exploration

High-grade, easily accessible deposits are largely depleted. Finding new ones means analyzing vast, multi-layered geological datasets—a task that has traditionally taken years and cost tens of millions. With AI, it is easier accelerate discovery and target the critical minerals that matter most.

Case studies

Proven outcomes across natural resources industry

Shell plc

Shell advanced its sustainability strategy by creating a digital platform to improve mining operations, integrating data, AI and collaborative solutions to boost efficiency, safety and decarbonization. Partnering with IBM to design, build and launch OREN, a mining optimization platform that supports sustainable mining.

0 emissions
net‑zero emissions target by 2050
350
interviews conducted to gather insights across the mining value chain
Coal miners with clipboard

Relevant products

IBM Maximo® Application Suite

Max out your asset value. Optimize performance with AI-infused monitoring and maintenance.

Explore IBM Maximo Application Suite
IBM Maximo Inventory Optimization

Use prescriptive analytics and insights from existing data to optimize MRO spares inventory and reduce excess.

Explore IBM Maximo Inventory Optimization
IBM Cloud Pak® for Business Automation

Make worker roles more productive with intelligent workflows that enable people to achieve higher value outcomes, faster.

Explore IBM Cloud Pak for Business Automation

Relevant services

SAP consulting services

Modernize SAP applications to lower costs, increase agility and improve results, using AI, cloud and consulting to transform operations.

Explore SAP consulting services
Consulting and sustainability services

Use the right combination of people, process and technology to turn sustainability ambition into action and become a profitable business.

Explore consulting and sustainability services
ESG consulting services

Establish an environmental, social and governance (ESG) data strategy to operationalize sustainability goals and increase transparency.

Explore ESG consulting services
IBM Consulting® services

IBM Consulting helps organizations transform with AI and cloud, enabling smarter decisions, innovation and growth.

Explore IBM Consulting services
Take the next step

Let’s discuss your digital transformation strategy and customize a roadmap.